Good Work Austin

Culinary Workforce Training

Good Work Austin's Culinary Workforce Training Program is designed to empower individuals facing employment barriers by providing an opportunity to acquire essential skills for success in the restaurant industry.

Applications Closed

Applications for our 2026 Culinary Workforce Training Program are now closed. Applications for our 2027 cohorts will open in January.

If you’d like to receive an email about open applications, or if you have any questions, email us at culinary@goodworkaustin.org. We look forward to connecting with you soon!

Program Details

  • 9-week training program (21 hours per week)

  • Hands-on kitchen training and job readiness skills

  • Trainee receive lunch each training day

  • Trainee receive a biweekly transportation stipend throughout the program

More than a training initiative

An opportunity for change in individuals' lives

  • Hands On Programming

    Trainees learn essential culinary techniques and skills to become successful in the restaurant industry.

    Trainees also gain hands-on experience through restaurant tours, onsite stages (internships), and weekly guest chef demonstrations led by some of Austin’s top culinary talent.

  • Career Pathways and Benefits

    Trainees will participate in resume-building and job search skills development, including exclusive opportunities such as mock interviews with Good Work Austin-affiliated businesses. Upon completing the program, trainees receive personalized employment support to help them secure jobs with GWA member businesses

  • Skill Building

    Trainees will receive essential certificates, financial training, and gain an understanding of the hospitality industry as a whole. This commitment ensures that trainees are well prepared to enter the workforce with the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to succeed in professional kitchen environments and build long-term careers in the hospitality industry.

“What motivated me to join the program was wanting to do better for myself and have an opportunity to improve my life. I couldn’t have asked for a better program or outcome... it helped me regain my confidence and led me to full-time employment. I truly believe I wouldn’t be working today if I hadn’t gone through this program.”

- Culinary Graduate, 2025